Tournaments

Study your environment and opponents

Before you spar, study the environment: ring size; rules, such as what constitutes a foul and how much contact is permitted; match time length; how competitors are designed red or white; positions of judges; personalities of judges and referee; scoring system; and how judges and referees score. Study your possible opponents: their size/reach; how they guard and block; what stances they use; whether they are kickers, punchers, counter-attackers, or a combination; how they make eye contact; do they run from attacks, stand their ground, or rush in; do they move around a lot or do they stay basically motionless; do they attack with front or back foot or in combination; and are they basically right or left sided in their attacks.

During competition

If everything runs smoothly, there is nothing to be done. However, if things start going wrong, you must control the situation. Do not panic, become Spock or Data. Do not display emotions, such as anger. Remain calm and deal with the situation in a logical, unemotional, and systematic manner .